its burrow and fails to see its shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end. If on the other hand, it is sunny and the groundhog sees its shadow, the groundhog will supposedly retreat
into its burrow, and winter will continue for six more weeks or sunny day means spring days are close. 
Groundhog Day is an annual holiday celebrated on February 2 in the United States and Canada .
The holiday, which began as a Pennsylvania German custom in southeastern and central Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries, has its origins in ancient European weather lore, wherein a badger or sacred bear is the prognosticator as opposed to a
groundhog.The holiday also bears some similarities to the medieval Catholic holiday of Candlemas, which takes place on or around the same date. 
Modern customs of the holiday involve celebrations where early morning festivals are held to watch the groundhog emerging from its burrow. In southeastern Pennsylvania, Groundhog Lodges celebrate the holiday with fersommlinge,social events in which food is served, speeches are made, and one or more g'spiel (plays or skits) are performed for entertainment. The Pennsylvania German dialect is the only language spoken at the event, and those who speak English pay a penalty, usually in the form of a nickel, dime or quarter, per word spoken, put into a bowl in the center of the table.
The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney,
Pennsylvania, where crowds as high as 40,000 have gathered to celebrate the holiday since at least 1886.Punxsutawney held its first Groundhog Day in the 1800s. The first official trek to Gobbler's Knob was made on February 2, 1887. So the story goes, Punxsutawney Phil was named after King Phillip. Prior to being called Phil, he was called Br'er 
Groundhog.According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow,
there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.Other celebrations of note in Pennsylvania take place in Quarryville in Lancaster County, the Anthracite Region of Schuylkill County, the Sinnamahoning Valley and 
Bucks County. Outside of Pennsylvania, notable celebrations occur in the Frederick and Hagerstown areas of Maryland, the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and among the Amish populations of over twenty states and Canada.Punxsutawney Phil is the only true weather forecasting groundhog.
GROUNDHOG OR WOODCHUCK
The woodchuck, or groundhog, is one of the best known wild mammals in Missouri, but few realize this rodent is a member of the Squirrel Family. Its common name, woodchuck, is an anglicized corruption of an Indian name for this species. The origin of its other name, groundhog, is obvious from the animal's squat appearance, waddling gait and habit of living in the ground. 
By the end of October, most woodchucks are curled up in a profound sleep in their underground nest. So deep is this sleep that even if an animal is warmed up, it requires several hours to awaken. Woodchucks usually hibernate all winter, although during periods of mild weather, some individuals may awaken.
Woodchucks prefer to live along the edges where timbered areas are bordered by open land or along fence rows and heavily vegetated gullies or stream banks.
Here they dig their burrows. The main entrance is often located beneath a tree stump or rock and is usually conspicuous because of a pile of freshly excavated earth and stones. Side entrances are smaller and better concealed. The tunnels lead to an enlarged chamber, 3-6 feet (.9-1.8 m) underground, which contains the nest.
Here they dig their burrows. The main entrance is often located beneath a tree stump or rock and is usually conspicuous because of a pile of freshly excavated earth and stones. Side entrances are smaller and better concealed. The tunnels lead to an enlarged chamber, 3-6 feet (.9-1.8 m) underground, which contains the nest.